Recent Publications

This report describes findings from the Austin Independent School District’s (AISD) Department of Leadership Development 2018–2019 evaluation. The purposes of the evaluation in 2018–2019 were to update the Department of Leadership Development theory of change (ToC) and logic model and to evaluate the implementation of the newly developed assistant principal (AP) and principal hiring processes designed to select a diverse group of equity-focused, effective novice leaders to meet the goal of creating a leadership pipeline that reflects AISD values and fosters a selection and development mindset.

The purpose of the 2018–2019 CARES evaluation was to (a) help program staff conceptualize the CARES implementation work and goals; (b) define measurable indicators of implementation, outputs, and outcomes; and (c) provide summative data on the first year of program implementation. Results of the 2018–2019 CARES program evaluation activities were organized into four reporting areas: conceptualization of CARES, evaluation of implementation activities, baseline measurement of customer experiences, and exploratory correlation analyses.

This report discusses best practices and barriers to successful implementation of social and emotional learning (SEL) at six case study schools in AISD. Researchers from the AISD Department of Research and Evaluation conducted focus groups and interviews with students and staff at two elementary schools, two middle schools, and two high schools to learn about what helps schools integrate SEL into the pedagogy and culture, and what hinders these efforts. A theoretical framework of AISD SEL implementation is proposed, as well as recommendations for campus and program improvement.